First time flying experience
Here I was attending a call from my boss who was asking me if I would go on a business trip to a nearby place the next day. I flatly said yes. I knew the least what was in store. In
Ten minutes passed and I receive a mail in my inbox which read that my ticket was booked in IC 927, from RGIA to CSIA. That was a pleasant shock that I expected the least. O my God! I was to go on a fully paid business trip, in Indian! It really took some time for me to actually realize the fact.
I booked a cab ‘on-line’ and was getting ready for the first flight experience.
It was 3 in the morning. I got up, finished all my chores. I get a call from the chauffer, informing me his arrival for pickup. I pick up my luggage, smile, and elatedly left for the airport.
It was early in the morning, mist still hanging in the morning air on the vast starches of soul-less roads. It was a sight to delight, especially when one invariably spends at least one and half hour in
In no time we embarked on to the outer ring road…stretches of six lane black lines converging to the horizon, occasionally dotted with a cab or a cow (reminding me that I am in
Speeding at nothing less that 120 kmph, it was a pleasure ride. We were still one or one and a half kilometer away, as were welcomed by the ‘international airport feel’
Large advertising boards, greenery, security…I was simply superb. We drove straight to the domestic terminal. I get down as the chauffer opens the cab door and asked cash or card sir?
Cash…bill plus 30% tip. The chauffer gleefully smiles says thank you.
I move ahead. Call home to inform my safe reach to the air port.
Tiny planes that appear like toys are now real close. It was a delight watching colorful flight of flights on the runway. Orange Indian, red king fisher, blue indigo, emirates and others…
I check in and marvel at the architecture of the airport. Spic n span and elegant. Courteous staff, facilities, ambience, security…it was beautiful.
My colleague was waiting at the entrance and we together went and collected our boarding passes.
Ok. Now what next? Went round the air port…appreciating the minute details like the kuchupudi dance poses etced on to the glass panels reflecting the culture of the land, the fast disappearing tolu bommalu crafted on the panes…highly reflective marble floorings…
A turn and I could see flights landing and taking off…some as smooth and some smoky.
Finally it was the announcement of the arrival of IC 972. Moved to check in. walked through the long connecting corridor and entered the flight.
I remembered Sri Sri Ravishankar when the air hostess welcomed us into the cabin. She wishes ‘good morning’ but does she really mean it? Never mind.
Flight was not that great experience, may be I have seen it for a thousand times over the TV. It was bright yellow interior blush red seats and of course beautiful air hostesses.
I should mention this, stewardess of Indian were beautiful. A nice saree, pearls necklace and a little over make up. The stewardess of other flights were dressed in skirts…some how were not like by me at all. They looked sleazy.
Fine. Took my seat. An strapped on my seat belt. It was like a reflex action – thanks to the habit I cultivated during the long drives these days.
I looked out of the window. I was just on the wings. Eastern sun was directly looking into my face and cool air from the AC vent was giving a mixed hot and cold effect. I was enjoying it.
I took a closer look…remembered the classes where I learnt the body was made of Ti sheets…rivets, spikes…NGC nostalgia.
I remembered many features that were explained in the show. Black tiny spikes for venting any static electricity on the air frame or in the event of a thunder in mid air.
Floor lights on either side of the searing rows for illumining the path in the event of power drop off after landing, oxygen masks, life jackets, and many many reminiscences.
Finally the captain announced the take off. There were displays on our seats. The flight waited for its turn to catch the run way, and once it did, it began to speed up. I remember seeing 17 kmph, 55 kmph 128 kmph and 228 kmph. The acceleration was very high and I thoughtly enjoyed it.
It was the highest speed I experienced on ground…and as the bus touched 320 kmph, there was an inertia pull as the flight took off. Wow…………………..
What a feeling it was. A strong dose of intense joy. I was soaring high into sky…mild air turbulence, and in no time we were at 5000ft altitude, the temperature outside was -1 C speeding at 700 kmph.
Ding dong and sudden clicks from all seats. Even as everybody removed their seat belts announcement for refreshments was made. Rest one hour was uneventful. Continual display of flight details and a very interactive captain was informing us where we were, above
O! is it allover? So soon and already in Mumbai?! May be I was lucky, our flight had to wait for landing. Our nimber was ten. The captain took us over the sea!
The containers really looked so delighting, white frothing sea waters forming v behind the vessel. The bandra worli sea link was a toy bridge, vast expanse blue waters reflecting the morning bright
We got our clearance and proceeded to land in CSIA. The pitol landed with a thud and gently glided into the terminal.
We were in Mumbai!
